Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang announced establishment of Cultural and Heritage Centre for Newa Community and advocated for preservation of rich culture, tradition and language of every community while addressing the gathering on the auspicios o

Extending his warm greeting on the occassion of Indra Jatra, the Chief Minister stated Lord Indra is revered as the god of storms, rains, and lightning, and invoked his blessing for prosperity and a good harvest. He emphasized that the festival holds a great significance not only to the Newar community but also to the entire State, reflecting unity in diversity.

He further commended the organising committee for celebrating the State Level Programme at a rural area like Kabrey, Namthang, highlighting the economic opportunities, it provides to local. Further, the CM encouraged to celebrate next year’s Indra Jatra Festival on an International Scale, with global participation and cultural exchange.

The Chief Minister also highlighted several initiatives of the State Government for the promotion and preservation of languages, such as the implementation of the State Board of Indigenous Language Act, which is being enacted to facilitate linguistic development. He urged greater community involvement to ensure larger student enrollment in language studies and achieve positive academic outcomes.

Responding to the demands put forth by the Sikkim Newa Guthi and MLAs Mr NB Pradhan and Mr Sanjeet Kharel, he shared that the State Government has extended substantial financial assistance for the completion of Newari Bhawan in Sichey, Gangtok, further one more Bhawan that is being proposed at DPH road will be finalised.

In addition, he also informed the establishment of Jas Lal Pradhan State Boxing Academy in Khamdong to honor Boxing Champion Mr Jas Lal Pradhan from the community. Further, Cultural and Heritage Centre to be established at Kabrey, Namthang was also announced.

On developmental issues, the CM informed that a project will be initiated to address water scarcity in dry belt areas like Melli, Namchi, and Namthang. He added that the Namthang SDM Office will temporarily function from a rented building until a permanent site is finalized.

The Chief Minister also spoke on the State Government’s efforts for the inclusion of 12 left-out communities in the Scheduled Tribe list. He informed that an anthropological report is being prepared under the chairmanship of Dr B V Sharma, Director of the Anthropological Survey of India, with contributions from experts nationwide, to ensure proper documentation. He further assured government support for aspiring doctors from low-income families, taking full responsibility to finance their higher studies.

Speaking on the State’s recognition by the Hon’ble Supreme Court for best performance in maintaining law and order, policing, and judicial procedures, the Chief Minister thanked the police department and its personnel for their effective service. He also addressed the misuse of police signage on private vehicles and directed the DGP, Sikkim, to restrict such practices.

While addressing the gathering, MLA Namthang-Rateypani Mr Sanjeet Kharel presented his gratitude to the Chief Minister for his unwavering support in improving the infrastructure and strengthening the governance in the constituency. He also thanked the Chief Minister for presenting with developmental projects in the constituency. The MLA also laid down the proposal for a well structured water resource and upgradation of health infrastructure at Namthang.

In his address, MLA Melli Mr N B Pradhan congratulated the Chief Minister for being nominated as the Best Performing Chief Minister by the India Today Group. The MLA stated that the celebration of Indrajatra in the present year holds important significance as it clashes with the State’s 50 Years of Statehood celebration.

Talking about the Newar community, the MLA proposed for the inclusion of the Newar language in the CBSE curriculum in higher studies for the students. He also thanked the Chief Minister for his dedicated support for the inclusion of the 12 left out communities in the scheduled tribal status. Lastly, the MLA presented his words of gratitude towards the committee in organising the celebratory programme.

President Sikkim Newa Guthi spoke about the celebration of Indra Jatra in Sikkim since 2000 and the community’s ongoing initiatives to safeguard its art, culture, and literature. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his steadfast support and highlighted the annual Newa Ratna Samman starting from this year, being awarded to distinguished individuals for their contributions to community welfare.

During the occasion, Newa Ratna Samman was conferred upon Mr Kesav Chandra Pradhan and Mr Khagendra Pradhan for their life long dedication towards the society and community.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister also released the community’s annual magazine, ‘Smarika 2025, dedicated to celebrating Sikkim’s statehood through the spirit of Newar culture and tradition. Additionally, the Chief Minister was also felicitated by the organising committee for his unwavering support and welfare of the state.

The occasion was attended by Madam Krishna Kumari Rai, Speaker SLA Mr MN Sherpa, Deputy Speaker SLA Ms Rajkumari Thapa, MP Lok Sabha Dr Indra Hang Subba, Council of Ministers, MLAs, Political Secretary to HCM, Chairpersons, Zilla Adhakshya(Namchi) and APS to HCM (Namchi), DC (Namchi), SSP (Namchi), HoOs from line departments, President Sikkim Newa Guthi Mr Mani Kumar Pradhan along with other dignitaries and public at large.